Hypothesis

An information pattern that documents the design process for a given solution.

Definition

A hypothesis is an information pattern that documents the design process for a given solution. In layperson’s terms, it’s an idea you have, which you’ll feel more confident about if you learn more by designing an experiment to test it.

A good hypothesis describes the problem, proposed solution, outcome being sought and how the hypothesis will be tested. It can be part of a measurement plan.

If an idea is untested or has no evidence to support it, it’s an assumption. A hypothesis can test the assumption and gather the evidence to turn it into knowledge.

There are many ways to write a hypothesis, but we recommend the format defined in our hypothesis model.

Feedback

Is this term incorrect, or is there something missing? Tell us using the feedback form (opens in new tab).